James Hopkins to Benjamin Franklin, July 2, 1779

Vitré in Bretagne July 2nd: 1779—

May it Please your Excellency

We the underwritten being Natives of America (hearing there are Ships belonging to the united States at Nantes and bound for America) Pettiton your Excellency that you would gett us the Liberty to go in one of those Vessells in order for our proceeding to America and as we are able to engage in any office or Station onboard a Ship we hope your excellency will gett us the Liberty to proceed. We are on Parole Therefore it is not of Necessity but Volontarily So in expectation of your Excellency’s Answer we Remain Your Excellency’s devoted Servants

James Hopkins James Corrick

May it Please your Excellency to Direct for one of us on Parole Vitré in Bretagne.